[Histological analysis of aging ciliary body].

The aging changes in human ciliary body were studied by histological analysis. Thirty four autopsy eyes were fixed in 2.5% formalin and 1.0% glutaraldehyde mixture. The age distribution was 12 eyes below 50 years of age 13 eyes between 60 and 70 years of age, and 9 eyes over 80 years of age. Serial sections of the ciliary body were made parallel to the limbus and vertical to the ciliary processes. From four areas (transitional portion between pars plana and pars plicata, posterior portion of pars plicata, middle portion of pars plicata, and anterior portion of pars plicata) a central section was selected. Histological analysis was done with the use of Azur II stained light microscopic pictures. The basement membrane of non-pigmented epithelium below 50 years of age was thinner than between 60 and 70 years of age. This finding may be related with lowering aqueous humor secretion with aging. Non-pigmented epithelium, blood vessels in the stroma, and muscle fibers in muscle tissue showed aging changes. The pigment epithelium, basement membrane, and muscle fibers in muscle tissue did not show aging changes in light microscopical analysis, but study of their fine structure is necessary.